I currently play on a 2001 model Marigaux altuglas. Previously I played on. Loree AK for about 15 years.

I chose the Marigaux due to its comfortable feel (ergonomics), especially on the pinky keys. I sort of stumbled upon the altuglas and merely tried it for something new with no intention of buying it. Low and behold, I kept coming back to it. It was compared to about 12 different horns of different brands. In comparison to any Loree, it was no contest. In fact, every other oboe beat out the Loree. My next choice would have been either a Covey or a Howarth XL. All three were miles ahead of the Loree horn I had won jobs and played professionally on.

What is so wonderful is the myriad of instrument makers out there nowadays and the vast instruments being played professionally. Recently, a college professor told my students that if they bought a Marigaux they would get laughed at in an orchestra, let alone even be allowed to audition on the instrument. Interestingly enough this person does not play a Loree. The comment infuriated me since I felt this very unprofessional in that the professional in question knew I played a Marigaux.

Moral: I firmly believe that no one brand is superior to another. Like Harry Potter and wands picking the wizard (haha- had to make the reference!) I truly believe the oboe picks the player. I can usually tell what brand of horn my students will play best on and these days, it's rarely Loree. I can tell based on their hands, their setup, their reeds, and their embouchure, as well as their tonal preference (based on many discussions and talks) what they will feel "home" on and will sound best on. I have been spot on (with no coaxing and letting them each evaluate a series of characteristics and blind tests) on every one over the past 15 years.

Great times in the oboe world we live in! So many wonderful instruments and different brands!

I do play a Loree English horn. However, I have purchased two for two different schools in the last year: one was a Howarth s40 and the other was a Marigaux altunoir. Both played circles around the Loree horns at that point in time.

Disclaimer: I in no way want to sound as if I'm bashing Loree...not at all. They make wonderful horns....I just find many other brands making more strides in tone color, tuning, and ergonomics than Loree at this time.